Should Louis van Gaal start James Wilson against QPR?

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has endured a difficult start to his reign at the club. The Red Devils have failed to win a competitive game during his short tenure so far, but things are starting to look up. After all, United have just secured the services of one of the world's best strikers: Radamel Falcao.

But, with every man and his dog anticipating the Colombian's debut against QPR on Sunday, Van Gaal has the opportunity to show his true colours, and he should start teenager James Wilson alongside captain Wayne Rooney in attack.

It sounds crazy, doesn't it? Well, perhaps it's not as crazy as it sounds...

Van Gaal may well be able to call upon Falcao this weekend, and he may also have Dutch superstar Robin van Persie at his disposal, but perhaps it's Wilson's time to shine at Old Trafford once again.

After all, Van Persie is in need of rest. Van Gaal may not think so, however, after insisting that the forward is fighting fit. In fact his exact words in today's press conference were: 'he's fitter than ever'.

But, the forward certainly hasn't looked fitter than ever in recent weeks. His performances so far this campaign have not been good - and he's yet to score this term. And after playing for the Netherlands this past week - a game that his national team lost in the post Van Gaal era - he could do with sitting on the bench this weekend.

Falcao, meanwhile, is seemingly desperate to make his Manchester United debut, but Van Gaal should keep him waiting just a little while longer. There's no need to rush him, especially with his recent injury problems. And a bench including Falcao and Van Persie wouldn't be a bad one if United do start to struggle this weekend.

Not afraid

But would Van Gaal really make such a bold decision? He probably would. We all remember this past summer's World Cup when the Dutch coach played his wild card and replaced his goalkeeper in extra-time. That didn't turn out too badly.

Things haven't quite worked out for Van Gaal at Old Trafford so far, though, so why not throw the youngster in?

We all know he's capable. His spectacular debut last season - which saw him score two goals against Hull City - certainly proved he's ready to star in the first-team at the Theatre of Dreams.

Ryan Giggs handed him his opportunity in May of this year and there's no doubt that the Welshman would have waxed lyrical about the youngster's attributes. In fact, Wilson has a bit of everything. There's a reason why he's already been compared to Van Persie.

First things first, he's a goalscorer. And what a goalscorer he is. Just go back to August of this year when he scored on four occasions against Manchester City in the Manchester Senior Cup Final. All his goals were taken superbly - he really does look the part. He's a natural in front of goal, and his sheer pace will frighten any defender in the Premier League. This guy's talent should not be underestimated.

Of course, this weekend also sees the return of Rio Ferdinand at Old Trafford. And, while it will give Manchester United fans the opportunity to say their goodbyes to the player that served their club so well, it should also give Van Gaal another reason to start Wilson.

There's no doubt about it, Ferdinand will not want to come up against the pace of the Manchester United teenager. Of course many will rightly suggest that Ferdinand won't particularly want to take on the likes of Rooney, Falcao, Van Persie and Co. either, but imagine spending 60 minutes running after Wilson, and then seeing Van Persie and Falcao enter the frame on Sunday. It may not be such a pleasant afternoon for Ferdinand after all.

Youth policy

Starting Wilson on Sunday also hands Van Gaal the opportunity to shut some of his critics up regarding the Manchester United youth system. Since spending £150 million in the summer transfer window, many have questioned the club's future plans of implementing youth into the first-team.

There's a reason why Van Gaal let Javier Hernandez join Real Madrid and Danny Welbeck join Arsenal...it's not just Radamel Falcao. Van Gaal has four strikers at Old Trafford - and one of them is James Wilson.

So, just when Manchester United fans are getting excited about Falcao, Di Maria and Co., why not spoil them further by introducing Wilson into the Premier League frame once again?

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